A Photographer's Christmas Wish List

So what do you get for the photographer who needs everything?  ;)  To help out those clueless-but-wanting-to-be-thoughtful significant others out there, here are my top picks for must-have photo gear.  For those of you who might be buying for little ol' me: I already have all this stuff.  This is not MY wish list, LOL.  But it's the workshop attendee wish list and I hope it helps all of you last minute shoppers.

1) Larson 4x6 Softbox.  I looooove this softbox.  I use the 6x8, but for most newer studios, the 4x6 is ideal.  The light is so incredibly soft and even if you have another softbox already, once you try this one you'll wish you bought it first.  It spreads the light better than any other 4x6 I have used.  If you're interested in buying one, email me and I'll give you my friendly rep's contact info.  And for all of you who say, "I already have an Alien Bee giant box and it is huge" let me tell you something you're not going to like: it is actually really small.  :)  The 4x6 isn't that much bigger, and it has a very shallow profile.  But the light is SO MUCH SOFTER that if you want to re-create that window light look with strobes, it's going to be much easier to do it with a 4x6 than with the 2.5x5 Bee Box.  Invest in one.  You won't regret it.

2) Aurora Reflector, available at Tallyn's.  Why this and not another reflector?  Well for starters, it's a great size for studio work.  I love how the stand is sturdy and how you can swivel the reflector around, and move it up and down, because of the ballhead and stand combo.  I also love how inexpensive it is.  I would not want to be without this in the studio.

3) Aurora Titan Sidekick Light Stand.  Again, available at Tallyn's.  This puppy is sooooo sturdy.  And for all of you who say, "I just can't get my softbox down that far!" this is what you're looking for.  It is inexpensive, but a very nice quality stand.  The pistol grip lets you raise and lower the heavier softboxes easily, and you can mount any light that has a regular light stand mount on it (I have mounted both Alien Bees and Photogenics on mine).

4) Larson Silver Reflector.  I have the 36 inch version and the frame makes it great for outdoor work.  It closes like an umbrella and is so light that if you do a lot of location work, you will thank me.  No more wrestling with those giant oval reflectors that look like they should be blocking the sun on your dash in the summer. Does it pinch your fingers?  You betcha.  Might want to add on that wind brace, if you can.  BUT, the frame makes it easier to use and maneuver outdoors.  You can set it up on it's little kickstand, but I still prefer having an assistant (either Abbey or a mom) so that you can get the light right where you want it.

5) Alien Bee 400s.  Sure, I use a Photogenic 1250DR as my main light and I wouldn't go back.  But for kicker lights and for those who are just starting out with studio work, the 400 is more power than you'll really need.  Plus, they're awfully cute.  Like I said: I no longer use mine as a main light in the studio, but I do take it on location (for really difficult light days, I take the 800, but that is rare) with a smallish softbox and the Alien Bee Vagabond System.  For me, it is a great way to get natural looking, directional light outdoors.  In the studio, you can use that 400 with the softbox shown above and it's a sweet combination.  In the studio, if you use it the way I did, you probably won't ever use more than 1/4 power anyway.

And for those who already HAVE a great studio and location setup, you might think about the Studio Titan Camera Stand (I use mine in the studio every day and I absolutely love it... but don't forget to order a ball head).